Man jailed for 13-years following investigation into years of abuse

A man has been jailed for 13 years after being found guilty of nine sexual offences, including rape and sexual assault of a child during a more than decade-long campaign of abuse.

Lee Smith (03/01/1979), of Kirkway, Rochdale, was found guilty in July following a trial at Minshull Street Crown Court where he was accused of numerous offences.

The court heard how in 1999, Smith, who had become friends with a relative of the victim, would often visit their house, where he would regularly abuse the young child.

This abuse would sometimes even take place when Smith would enter the boy’s bedroom on the pretence of ‘reading a bedtime story’, at which point he would begin touching him inappropriately. Smith would often make his victim feel that he was obliged to do as he asked.

The young boy was sometimes left in pain following the assaults, and this continued over the next decade, with the abuse occurring when the victim’s mother was out or at Smith’s home.

Such was the level of grooming and abuse, the boy came to think the abuse was normal, with Smith systematically exploiting his trust.

In the months and years that followed as he became an adult, the victim bravely began to open up to friends and family of the abuse, prompting an investigation by police.

In a separate investigation, for which Smith was also guilty of, in November 2024, Smith engaged in a conversation with what he believed to be the profile of a 13-year-old boy.

Officers later traced Smith to his address and arrested him for attempted sexual comms.

Following his trial, which covered the years of abuse and online offence, Smith was finally found guilty of nine offences: two counts of indecent assault, two counts of s9 sexual activity , one count of s10 causing a child to engage in sexual activity, s4 causing sexual activity, sexual assault, rape, and attempted sexual communications.

Sergeant Kathryn Ross, from Greater Manchester Police, said: “Lee Smith’s sickening exploitation of a child over a period of more than a decade show the type of heinous person he is, and I am glad he is now behind bars for his crimes.

“His victim’s bravery in opening up and discussing the abuse he endured was truly remarkable, and I would like to thank them for their assistance in ensuring Smith ended up at court.

“More than 25 years after the abuse started, Smith was still attempting to exploit children online – a man who simply doesn’t care for the age of his victims.

“I would encourage anyone who has suffered abuse or sexual offences to please get in touch. You will be listened to and you will be believed.”

Remember – if in doubt report it

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]

- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.